Phasic Dopaminergic Signaling and the Presymptomatic Phase of Parkinson's Disease
Abstract
The purpose of this project is to investigate the relationship between phasic dopaminergic signaling and behavior in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. The overall hypothesis is that, in rats with partial dopamine lesions mimicking the preclinical phase of Parkinson's disease, deficits in phasic dopaminergic signaling are associated with behavioral deficits. Phasic dopaminergic signaling is characterized by chemical microsensors measuring dopamine, and electrophysiology is used to monitor the effect of dopamine on target cells. Behavioral tests are also developed and assessed to identify deficits that occur during partial dopamine depletion. Highlights of Year 2 include the first ever recording of electrically evoked dopamine levels, spontaneous dopamine transients and drug-induced dopamine transients in a freely moving, lesioned rat and the first recording of voltammetry and electrophysiology at the same microsensor in an anesthetized, lesion rat and in a freely moving, non-lesioned rat. Two studies evaluating sensorimotor tests are completed, and manuscripts are in preparation. Other behavioral tests and a new lesion procedure, extending those previously proposed, are in development.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA450142
Entities
People
- Byron A. Heldenreich
- Paul A. Garris
- Tim Schallert
Organizations
- Illinois State University